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3rd Congressional District: A look at the Republican primary candidates

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Former Randolph Mayor Tom MacArthur (left) and former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan are running for the Republican nomination for the 3rd District congressional seat being vacated by Republican Jon Runyan.
(Courtesy of Tom MacArthur/Star-Ledger file photo)

Runyan, a Republican and former Philadelphia Eagles football player, is retiring after two terms serving New Jersey's 3rd District — which covers parts of Burlington and Ocean County — in the U.S. House of Representatives.

MacArthur, a millionaire and former Randolph mayor who is favored by the GOP establishment, and Lonegan, a former Bogota mayor who hails from the party's more conservative wing, have squared off in a heated campaign. A poll released by Monmouth University last month showed MacArthur leading by 11 points.

Whoever wins is expected to face a tough general election in November. Burlington County Freeholder Aimee Belgard is the favorite to win the Democratic nomination today.